Activities

ROAD CYCLING HOLIDAYS

For cyclists the Méouge valley is a relatively undiscovered gem for riding and is the perfect location for your next road cycling holiday. Located on the southern edge of the Hautes-Alpes; the quiet roads, stunning views and great climbs are ideal for enthusiastic cyclists as well as those new to the sport or looking for a more relaxing week.

There are many fantastic rides for all levels of cyclists right on our doorstep. You will be able to explore the local villages and towns of the Buëch region, the stunning Gorges de la Meouge, or tackle the famous slopes of Mont Ventoux, the summit of which is only 67km away and offers a challenging ride to any cyclist.

There are numerous alpine passes and cols such as Perty, St Jean and L'Homme Mort which can be tackled during a weeks stay with us. The valleys are still relatively high, 600m altitude on average, and the passes are accessible to most with gradients rarely exceeding 6-8%. This allows for a number of Cols to be tackled in a day’s ride enabling you to uncover new landscapes as you pass from one valley to the next.

The riding is mainly self-guided but with our knowledge of the local roads, towns and sights we will be able to provide a tailor made cycling itinerary so that you make the very most out of your stay with us. We can provide GPX files for your chosen route or provide detailed directions and a map. We love to ride our bikes too so will ride with individuals or groups whenever possible and we pride ourselves in being able to tailor rides to suit all levels.

Bike Storage

We have a large garage for secure storage of your bike and a selection of tools for any essential bike maintenance. We also offer emergency support in the event of a mechanical breakdown or accident whilst out on the road.

Electric Bikes

For those looking to explore the local area, villages and climbs in a more relaxed style electric bikes are becoming more and more popular in the area. These are available to hire locally for the day or longer as required and have been very popular with our guests.

Bike Hire

If you prefer to hire a bike then this is no problem at all. We recommend Albion Cycles in Sault as they have a large selection of bikes available to rent and an easy booking system. Sault is about 40kms away from us, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, and is a lovely historic town which is well worth exploring. We can recommend a number of bike routes from the bike shop and you could even end the week with a climb of Mont Ventoux before dropping the bikes off again. We can arrange transport to and from Sault if required just let us know when you book with us.

Mont Ventoux

Known as the Géant de Provence, the iconic mountain of Mont Ventoux, or more affectionately “Monty” is heaped in cycling history. Ever since the death of Tom Simpson on the mountain during the 1967 Tour de France, Ventoux has been a pilgrimage for many cyclists wanting to test themselves on its famous slopes.

The ascent from Bédoin, is the classic way up and arguably one of the toughest cycling climbs used in the Tour de France. With an elevation gain of 1621m over 21.5km it has an average gradient of the 7.5% but it is the section from St. Estève to Chalet Reynard which is the most challenging. The heat in the forest can be ferocious and the gradient never gives up, averaging 9% for 9km. At Chalet Reynard there is a chance to recover in the Café or push on to the summit 6km away. At least here the gradient eases, well until the last 1 km, but then there is always the famous Mistral wind which can put an abrupt end to your day on the bike.

Our favourite days on the bike are reaching the top with guests who had no intention of climbing to the summit, or thought it well beyond their ability. The climb from the historic town Sault is the easier of the three sides being longer and with a very manageable average gradient of 4%. After a short descent the road crosses Lavender fields before entering the forest and weaving itself up to Chalet Reynard where it meets the climb from Bédoin. The climb now becomes tougher with an average gradient of 7-8% but the summit is almost within touching distance. The descent is magic, to Chalet Reynard it can be busy but the next 21km is exhilarating; sweeping turns, smooth tarmac and stunning views, it sometimes feels like the descent is longer than the climb. The final little climb into Sault makes that piece of cake or beer even more alluring!

The summit is only 67km from our door and although it is a great out and back ride from Serre Des Ormes, most of our guests prefer to join us for our “Ventoux day”.

After a hearty breakfast we load the bikes into the van and make the short drive to Sault.

From Sault we recommend two routes up Ventoux, either an out and back up the climb from Sault as described above or a more challenging but unforgettable day combining a descent through the Gorges de la Nesque with a climb up the Bédoin side.

If you don't want to climb Ventoux there are a couple of other fantastic routes in the area either taking in the stunning Gorges de La Nesque or exploring the lavender covered Plateau d’Albion and visiting beautiful French villages.

If you are after a tougher cycling challenge then the Cinglés could be just the test for you, climbing all three sides of Mont Ventoux in a day with a total elevation of 4,400m. We can arrange fully supported Cinglés days for groups of four or more, please contact us for more information.

More top tips for climbing Mont Ventoux can be found on our Blog Page.

Triathlon Training

With quality cycling, running and open water swimming in the area Serre Des Ormes is also well suited to triathletes looking for a training camp base.

There is a stunning plan d’eau (Swimming lake) only 40 minutes from us. Never busy, the lake is a great location for open water swimming. In the heat of the summer months it is possible to swim without a wetsuit but outside these months, or for those wanting to swim longer distances, it is worth bringing one.

Our own 12m pool is also ideal for drills or a warm down at the end of the day.

We can advise on rides, runs and swimming in the area to suit your ability and can arrange transport of your bikes to the swimming lake so you can combine a swim and cycle session. There is also great running from the house ideal for those testing brick sessions. Of course at the start and end of each day you will be well fed to help fuelling and recovery.

TRAIL RUNNING HOLIDAYS

HILL WALKING HOLIDAYS

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A RUNNING HOLIDAY WITH GREAT TRAILS, ACCESSIBLE MOUNTAINS AND STUNNING GORGES THEN LOOK NO FURTHER. WITH PLENTY OF SUNSHINE, LUXURY ACCOMMODATION AND FRESH HOME COOKED FOOD, SERRE DES ORMES IS THE PLACE TO COME.

We are surrounded by great mountain ridge runs as well as some stunning trails in the Gorges de la Méouge.

The running is self-guided but during your stay with us we will provide detailed directions, maps and GPS files. With our knowledge of the hills and trails we will make sure you get the very most out of your week with us. Just click here for an example of an amazing week of running on offer at Serre Des Ormes, this can easily be tailored to suit all, from long distance runners after an early season training location to those after a more relaxing week of running in great surroundings or those just wanting to break up a week’s cycling.

FROM MOUNTAIN TOPS TO DEEP RIVER GORGES, SERRE DES ORMES IS AN IDEAL BASE FOR HILL WALKING. WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF MARKED TRAILS, THERE ARE PLENTY OF SPECTACULAR WALKS ON OFFER TO SUIT ALL. WITH OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE HILLS AND TRAILS IN THE AREA WE WILL ENSURE YOU MAKE THE VERY MOST OUT OF YOUR STAY WITH US.

A protected nature reserve, the Gorges de la Méouge is simply stunning; extremely imposing but allows you to enjoy its many coves and waterfalls. Along the sides of the valley you can discover a more mountainous landscape of Chabre and Pic St Cyr. The local village of Eourres is particularly popular with walkers, located close to Serre Des Ormes and known for its “Bio” (Organic) produce, this quiet village is a perfect starting point for a number of walks. Click here for a small selection of our favourite walks.

SWIMMING

OTHER ACTIVITIES

At the end of a ride or day in the hills enjoy a dip in our own 12m pool. Alternatively enjoy a quick dip in one of the many pools formed in the Gorges de la Méouge which are a short drive or ride from Serre Des Ormes.

For keen triathletes or swimmers there is a stunning plan d’eau (swimming lake) located only 40 minutes from us. Never busy, the lake is a great location for open water swimming. In the heat of the summer months it is possible to swim without a wetsuit but outside these months, or for those wanting to swim longer distances, it is worth bringing one.

MOUNTAIN BIKING.

The Buech region is popular with mountain bikers and boasts over 1400km of marked trails, suiting all abilities from family friendly rides to technical enduro trails as well as long xc rides. Whilst the region may not have uplifts your rewards for all that climbing is quiet trails in unspoilt surroundings.

The Méouge valley has a number of trails, which can be ridden right from our door, although a vehicle will allow you to explore further afield.

Kate and Paul are both enthusiastic mountain bikers and will happily suggest their favourite rides in the area.

ELECTRIC BIKE HIRE

For those looking to explore the local area, villages and climbs in a more relaxed style electric bikes are becoming more and more popular in the area. These are available to hire locally for the day or longer as required.

CLIMBING

The village of Orpierre is only 30 minutes away and is renowned with climbers around the world for it’s sports climbing.

In the Méouge valley itself a number of cliffs have more recently been developed. Ranging from the beginner friendly slabs of Col Saint Ange, located high up on the Chabre ridge to the more technical steep faces of Baou de Chantedouc located near Eourres only 10minute drive away. A local guidebook is available which covers the routes in the area.

The impressive rock faces in Sisteron also offer some very accessible roadside cragging spanning the grades.

PARAPENTING

The ridgeline of Chabre dominates the skyline above Serre Des Ormes and the area is renowned around the world for Parapenting.

HORSE RIDING

The local mountain trails are also used for horse and donkey riding, which can be arranged if required. Don’t worry the tasty local dish “les oreilles d’ âne’ is not literally donkey’s ears, but actually a vegetarian dish of wild spinach and crêpes in a sort of lasagne.

PHOTOGRAPHY

The area is also particular popular with photographers. There is such a wide variety of landscapes to capture from stunning lavender fields in June and July to the stunning autumn colours in the Gorges de la Méouge and the snow capped hills in winter.